Getting off this Island - Favourite Holiday Destination in EU

Duke of Url

I Wont count Ireland - UK ( They are leaving ) and Belgium ( I only have 25 options in Poll )

sbsquarepants

I'll go with option 13 so.

Duke of Url

sbsquarepants wrote: »

I'll go with option 13 so.

It took a little while to create the poll lol

Seamai

Italy for me all the way, we've been going to a really nice small beach town in Tuscany on and off 15 years, sometime we'd spend a week there just taking it easy, chilling out and team it with a busier week somewhere else, last September went to Naples on spite of all the bad press it gets we had a ball there, loved the place.

lawred2

Seamai wrote: »

Italy for me all the way, we've been going to a really nice small beach town in Tuscany on and off 15 years, sometime we'd spend a week there just taking it easy, chilling out and team it with a busier week somewhere else, last September went to Naples on spite of all the bad press it gets we had a ball there, loved the place.

Italy is always number one for me

you wouldn't mind name dropping the beach town?

sbsquarepants

Well i've only been to about half of them, and i suppose id massively depends on what you're looking for - but that being said, if i win the euro millions i'll be getting a nice villa in one of the quiter spots on the algarve, and another one in the arse end of Ibiza!

JohnCleary

Great thread. We're just back from our annual 1-month SE Asia trip and the main priority is to book the Easter break (Booked Barcelona a few days ago).

Need inspiration for our Autumn (Well, September / October) EU break.... inspire me, folks! We prefer city breaks with a bit of craic as opposed to sitting on a beach doing nothing.

It's a bit like the old "apples and oranges" cliché OP. They're all good but for different reasons and wouldn't have all that much in common so it's hard to compare. Depends on what you're in the mood for. You don't go to Budapest for the beach, you don't go to Holland for the mountain hikes, you don't go to Iceland for the cheap liquor.

Your Face

Jaysus that's a tough one OP.

Duke of Url

lawred2 wrote: »

Italy is always number one for me

you wouldn't mind name dropping the beach town?

Have a look at Lido Di Jesolo near Venice

Deleted User

Deleted User wrote: »

It's a bit like the old "apples and oranges" cliché OP. They're all good but for different reasons and wouldn't have all that much in common so it's hard to compare. Depends on what you're in the mood for. You don't go to Budapest for the beach, you don't go to Holland for the mountain hikes, you don't go to Iceland for the cheap liquor.

I don't go to Prague for the strip clubs.

Seamai

lawred2 wrote: »

Italy is always number one for me

you wouldn't mind name dropping the beach town?

I'm reluctant to spill the beans but since you asked so nicely it's called Castiglione della Pescaia, it about an hour and a half south of Pisa, probably only really busy in July and August, mainly italian crowd with some Germans and Scandanavians, like I said it's a seaside town but it hasn't sold out, no mad nightlife, just long lazy dinners followed by a quiet, civilized drink, we rent a car and do a bit of sightseeing inland as well.

Snow Garden

I find Portugal very boring. Italy for me.

branie2

Spain

JohnnyFlash

Italy for the excellent food, wine, and sights. The beaches aren’t great but I’d rather treat my auld one’s bunions than spend a day on the beach, so that doesn’t bother me.

EmmetSpiceland

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I don't go to Prague for the strip clubs.

Do you go for the articles?

Duke of Url

In my youth it was all about going to Spain and Portugal with my mates.

Now that I’m in my later years Italy suits me perfectly as a holiday destination.

Spanish Eyes

Depends on what you want from a trip abroad, and your age group I reckon.

It is France and Spain for me now. Italy is just gorgeous too and have been all over it, but I don't speak Italian, whereas I do speak French and Spanish and it helps in out of the way places there.

In Spain it is mostly Galicia UUUP North, not too hot and great craic like San Sebastian/Donostia and places around. Can get to France Bayonne and Saint Jean de Luz etc. in a flash too. Fly into Bilbao and out of Biarritz. Ooh la la.

It's just my preference now, being a bit on the grey/older side, I can't be bothered with long haul, been there done that.

Great thread.

Seamai

Duke of Url wrote: »

I Wont count Ireland - UK ( They are leaving ) and Belgium ( I only have 25 options in Poll )

Poor little Belgium, it's got some great cities, I'd even favour Brussels over Amsterdam.

Duke of Url

Duke of Url wrote: »

I Wont count Ireland - UK ( They are leaving ) and Belgium ( I only have 25 options in Poll )

LOL poor old Belgium

In fairness you chose well

Seamai

Seamai wrote: »

Poor little Belgium, it's got some great cities, I'd even favour Brussels over Amsterdam.

You nutjob! I understand there is no such thing as a right opinion or a wrong opinion. BUT - your opinion is dead wrong.

Mehaffey1

Went on a quick weekend trip to Berlin and was fantastic recently. Would definitely consider Germany again next time. Would fancy Italy in the future too

Seamai

[Deleted User] wrote: »

You nutjob! I understand there is no such thing as a right opinion or a wrong opinion. BUT - your opinion is dead wrong.

I'll actually take that as a compliment, thank you.

Max Moment

Duke of Url wrote: »

Have a look at Lido Di Jeselo near Venice

Gorgeous part of the world

Seamai

Seamai wrote: »

I'll actually take that as a compliment, thank you.

Why would you take it as a compliment?

Out of interest, why would you prefer Brussels to Amsterdam?

Ten of Swords

Croatia, easy choice

biko

Cork

EmmetSpiceland

Italy or Portugal. Italy for the food and the sights, Portugal for the food, sun and sea.

the.red.baron

Portugal

Great beaches, best in Europe, great weather, great food, cheap, easy to get to, not too hot, not too busy

Like Goldilocks

Sheep Shagger

If you have kids, personally don’t think you can beat the Algarve....sun, beaches, good hotels with pools, cheap when you get there food and drinks wise, family friendly restaurants etc and a choice of areas.

Lads trip - Eastern Europe, cheap pints and ladies lol

Seamai

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Why would you take it as a compliment?

Out of interest, why would you prefer Brussels to Amsterdam?

Well for a start Amsterdam, a bit like Dublin has prostituted itself flogging a particularly cheap and nasty version of tourism to the masses who are only too willing to be ridden at every turn. The Dutch must be one of the meanest races on the face of the planet. The city is not without it's charms but I'd have to dig pretty deep to find them.

To me Brussels doesn't suffer from the same superiority complex as Amsterdam, being the headquarters of the EU has given it some bad press but there's a lot more to the city not least some of the best Art Nouveau architecture in the world, Victor Horta's house deserves to be as well known as Gaudi's Casa Batllò. It's friendlier, it's got better food. Better beer. (Only the Dutch could turn a brewery turning out a pretty dull lager into a major tourist draw). Straddling the language divide adds another dimension to Brussels. But it's still not my favourite Belgian city, that honour goes to Ghent.

Hamsterchops

England
Wales
Scotland
Isle of Man
Gibraltar
Channel Islands
Canary Islands*

Yes I know that GB is leaving, but they haven't left yet, and even when they do, they'll still be there, if you know what I mean.

Seamai

Seamai wrote: »

Well for a start Amsterdam, a bit like Dublin has prostituted itself flogging a particularly cheap and nasty version of tourism to the masses who are only too willing to be ridden at every turn. The Dutch must be one of the meanest races on the face of the planet. The city is not without it's charms but I'd have to dig pretty deep to find them.

To me Brussels doesn't suffer from the same superiority complex as Amsterdam, being the headquarters of the EU has given it some bad press but there's a lot more to the city not least some of the best Art Nouveau architecture in the world, Victor Horta's house deserves to be as well known as Gaudi's Casa Batllò. It's friendlier, it's got better food. Better beer. (Only the Dutch could turn a brewery turning out a pretty dull lager into a major tourist draw). Straddling the language divide adds another dimension to Brussels. But it's still not my favourite Belgian city, that honour goes to Ghent.

I find Brussels to be a bit dystopian, a bit lawless or something. It is like the whole world lives there but yet it has no soul or something.

In contrast I just love the whole cycling and canals vibe in Amsterdam, while accepting that it has wh*red itself out for mass tourism.

Edgware

Lambay Island is very nice

alchemist33

Would have said France until a trip to Tuscany in 2018. It was just stunning, with picture postcard villages all over the place.

JupiterKid

There is so much to see and do and experience in Europe that it is very hard to select just one country. Italy tops my list for culture, food, history and architecture, France a close second - but Spain and Greece for the sun and beaches. Austria, Switzerland and France for the skiing and Alps. Scandinavia for the solitude and amazing fjords of Norway. The UK for the history and stunning stately homes, and of course our own Ireland for its stunning scenery and historical monuments - our Atlantic coast is one of the most incredible coasts anywhere on the planet.

I was away in Fuerteventura over the Christmas holidays and it was fantastic!

I don’t think any other continent in the world compares with Europe for having an incredibly rich and diverse mosaic of related but distinct cultures, histories, architecture and scenery all packed into a pretty small geographical area. Europe really does seem to almost have it all.

We are blessed having it on our doorstep.

sbsquarepants

Deleted User wrote: »

Why would you take it as a compliment?

Out of interest, why would you prefer Brussels to Amsterdam?

I like Brussels too i have to say (short hop on a train to Bruges is well worth the effort too, the place is beautiful)

I stayed for about a week in Eindhoven and I prefered that to Amsterdam. I was never a big fan of sleazy and i just find it hard to separate Amsterdam and sleazy!

FTA69

I go to the Basque Country every year, just came back from there last night. There is nothing better than wandering the old towns of Bilbao and Donostia eating pintxos and drinking wine and beer for a song. It's got the best mix of beaches, seaside villages and mountains and while the people there are reserved and can be a bit insular I've got friends and comrades there going back years so always get well looked after. There's nowhere I'd rather go for a short trip away.

wakka12

Snow Garden wrote: »

I find Portugal very boring. Italy for me.

Always find it weird when somebody says an entire country can be 'boring' it just sounds so childish, I've only been to Lisbon and not anywhere else in Portugal but if you think that city is boring then youre the boring one in the scenario

Assetbacked

Southern Germany for me. Not talking about Munich but Alpine Germany, where picture perfect mountain backdrops meet lush green farmlands. In winter, there is the possibility for skiing, hiking and saunas; in summer there is hiking and bathing in beautiful lakes.

The benefit of the German Alps include the more favorable cost of living than Switzerland, but the beauty and relaxation is equivalent. Many people do not have a fondness for German food. However, if you do enjoy German food then there is plenty of fantastic German food available in proud local restaurants. Of course, the German beer is the nectar of the gods and is available whereever you are relaxing; on top of a mountain or bathing next to a lake. It is heaven.

SusieBlue

Italy, for sure. Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, Capri, as well as the more touristy Rome and Venice.

Also really loved Budapest for a winter break.

nobby grande

Assetbacked wrote: »

Southern Germany for me. Not talking about Munich but Alpine Germany, where picture perfect mountain backdrops meet lush green farmlands. In winter, there is the possibility for skiing, hiking and saunas; in summer there is hiking and bathing in beautiful lakes.

The benefit of the German Alps include the more favorable cost of living than Switzerland, but the beauty and relaxation is equivalent. Many people do not have a fondness for German food. However, if you do enjoy German food then there is plenty of fantastic German food available in proud local restaurants. Of course, the German beer is the nectar of the gods and is available whereever you are relaxing; on top of a mountain or bathing next to a lake. It is heaven.

Agreed, Germany overall has some hidden gems. So much variation to the landscape.

Even around Berlin there are some of the most beautiful lakes for swimming in summer.

People discount Germany but it has great value for money and has fantastic weather in Summer.

Seamai

sbsquarepants wrote: »

I like Brussels too i have to say (short hop on a train to Bruges is well worth the effort too, the place is beautiful)

I stayed for about a week in Eindhoven and I prefered that to Amsterdam. I was never a big fan of sleazy and i just find it hard to separate Amsterdam and sleazy!

You're spot on, if I were to sum up Amsterdam in a word it would be sleazy and that's not just the red light district.

Bruges is great, spent a weekend there about 20 years ago during a period of very heavy snow, it was stunning, like walking into a Breughal painting.

Mad_maxx

wakka12 wrote: »

Always find it weird when somebody says an entire country can be 'boring' it just sounds so childish, I've only been to Lisbon and not anywhere else in Portugal but if you think that city is boring then youre the boring one in the scenario

I love Lisbon, think of visiting Porto this year

LirW

Always had a soft spot for Bulgaria and had a few nice trips there. It's a bit rough around the edges for sure but so beautiful.
Also an honourable mention to Fuerteventura, I have family there and it's always a pleasure to go there and just leave bad weather behind.

Cina

LirW wrote: »

Always had a soft spot for Bulgaria and had a few nice trips there. It's a bit rough around the edges for sure but so beautiful.
Also an honourable mention to Fuerteventura, I have family there and it's always a pleasure to go there and just leave bad weather behind.

Can't stand Fuerteventura myself. Just a desert island tourist trap with nothing to see and no decent scenery. Only good thing about it was the food. Wouldn't go back there unless I was forced to. Same with any of the Canaries.

For me nothing beats Italy in terms of variety, landscape, the sheer amount of different places to go, the ease of getting around, the beautiful architecture, and of course, the incredible food. It's also a good bit cheaper than France and Germany. It's probably the only country in Europe I'd actually go to for more than a week or two at a time if I could.

sbsquarepants

Cina wrote: »

Can't stand Fuerteventura myself. Just a desert island tourist trap with nothing to see and no decent scenery. Only good thing about it was the food. Wouldn't go back there unless I was forced to. Same with any of the Canaries.

.

I love Lanzarote, i could see myself living there. Year round nice weather, lovely beaches, some spectacular scenery there too to be fair! Not too quiet, not too crazy, can be a bit windy, but apart from that.

Better Than Christ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_JMvzfIqVg